With former Cameroon defender Joel Matip, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016, leaving Anfield and Virgil Van Dijk nearing the end of his career, Liverpool are looking for a new generation of centre-backs.
They have listed several young defenders in the transfer market this summer and have begun to scrutinise them. Bologna defender Riccardo Calafioli, Lille defender Leny Yoro and Sporting defender Goncalo Inácio have been named as targets.
Other rumoured interest in Feyenoord defender Lutsharel Geertruida and Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, due to Arne Slot’s links, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Paris Saint-Germain have also joined the fray.
“Lutsharel Geertruida has been added to the list of centre backs monitored by Paris Saint-Germain.”
“Edmond Tapsoba, another name on PSG shortlist for new centre back after excellent season at Leverkusen.”
“Premier League clubs also keen on both Geertruida & Tapsoba.”
🚨🔴🔵 EXCL: Lutsharel Geertruida has been added to the list of centre backs monitored by Paris Saint-Germain.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2024
Edmond Tapsoba, another name on PSG shortlist for new centre back after excellent season at Leverkusen.
Premier League clubs also keen on both Geertruida & Tapsoba. pic.twitter.com/btSWyIGB3H
The new Dutch head coach of Liverpool understands the strengths, weaknesses and character of Feyenoord’s 23-year-old defender, and the players understand the coach’s preferences and could be a strong presence in the new team.
However, with his main strength at right-back and the emergence of Northern Ireland defender Conor Bradley, he is hardly a priority point of reinforcement.
Recently, the name of an 18-year-old French centre-back has frequently hit the media, making it difficult to recognise Liverpool’s main focus.
So who will Liverpool bring into the team this summer…?